So you’ve decided to get a new puppy. Maybe you were swayed by a particularly adorable little mutt, or maybe you’ve decided to finally reward yourself with the companionship of the dog you’ve always dreamt of owning. Whatever your motivation, adding a new furry friend to the family is almost always an exciting occasion.
However, it is important to be prepared to properly care for a puppy. The task of raising a dog can be a massively rewarding and engaging experience like no other, but it requires proper technique, diligence, and a few supplies. As your puppy grows up, it will learn a great deal from how it interacts with its owners, other dogs, and its environment. Bad dogs are often a reflection of their owners’ inability to properly train or care for them, so take the responsibility of properly rearing your new family member seriously.
Providing For Your Pet
What should you look for at your first outing to the pet store? You’ll probably need the basics, like a collar or harness, a leash, and dishes for their food and water. Introduce your puppy to the collar and leash as soon as possible to get them comfortable with leash training. The rewards will be great for both of you, as you enjoy long walks or exhilarating runs side-by-side with your canine companion.
It is definitely worth doing some research into the type of food to purchase for your puppy. Make sure you select puppy food instead of regular dog food, as typical dog food may not provide the necessary protein or nutritional requirements for the proper growth of your puppy. Select a quality puppy food; budget alternatives are often less healthy.
To start training right away, pick up some dog treats as well. Again, look for the healthiest option available. Meat scraps from local butchers can often be a great source of cheap, high quality dog treats, and they are sometimes available at pet stores and super markets. Your dog treats should be something distinct and exciting in contrast to their regular food. Give treats as rewards during training or to encourage good behaviour.
Don’t Forget Playtime!
You’ll definitely want to pickup something for puppy to play with. Chew toys can be important, because as puppies’ teeth grow in, they will have an insatiable desire to chew on things. If they aren’t provided with something to chew on, they may start gnawing on your furniture or any possession they can get their paws on.
Pickup some chew toys, but also get some things to help you interact with your new puppy. Ropes for tug-of-war and balls for fetch are especially great.
First Trips To The Vet
You’ll need to get your new puppy a checkup and some vaccinations right away. Vaccinations are important to prevent diseases that can be fatal to dogs. Other medication to prevent fleas is also necessary, and medication for issues such as heart worms is sometimes necessary or recommended.
Although hopefully your new puppy won’t be returning much to the veterinarian, it is important to prepare for the possibility of them taking sick or suffering injuries. To help prepare for any eventualities, consider investing in insurance for your new pet to be sure you can provide for it should the need arise.
Have Fun!
There are few joys like raising a new puppy, so be sure to cherish the experience. Quality training and quality ownership will yield a wonderful new addition to your family.
Pet Insurance – Stoneways Insurance